Greene County family law matters, including divorce and custody, are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers 10 specific factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
For family law matters in Greene County, the primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). These statutes define the legal framework for all family law cases in the county.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Greene County General District Court website.
In Greene County, the Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Greene County Circuit Court, located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- If your spouse agrees, sign a property settlement agreement to resolve all issues without trial.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court to resolve contested issues.
- Finalize the divorce at a final hearing where the court enters the final decree.
In Greene County, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and personal consequences.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property division, spousal support |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | Complex equitable distribution, custody battles |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Based on income | Wage garnishment, contempt |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris — Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm in 1997. Bar admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. She handles Virginia family law matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Greene County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Greene County via Route 29 and Route 33. We serve clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street).
Family law lawyer near Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Serving: Stanardsville, Ruckersville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Greene County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Greene County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Greene County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Greene County Circuit Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
Custody in Greene County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Greene County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 4 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Greene County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.